Mara Glassel and Julie Fox, senior leaders from UBS, joining &Partners

After extensive experience at UBS, senior leaders Mara Glassel and Julie Fox choose &Partners, joining the growing movement toward independence in wealth management.

ST. LOUIS, October 13, 2026 — &Partners, one of the fastest-growing advisor-owned wealth management firms in the United States, today announced that Mara Glassel and Julie Fox will join the firm in early January 2027, after fulfilling their notice period. As equity partners and key members of the executive team, Glassel and Fox will co-lead the firm’s ultra-high-net-worth and private wealth businesses.

Their decision comes as advisors increasingly look beyond traditional wirehouses. According to Diamond Consultants’ Financial Advisor Transition Report for the first half of 2026, 46% of advisors departing wirehouses chose an independent model, compared with 24% who moved to another wirehouse.

“The industry is changing because advisors are demanding more — for their clients and for the businesses they’re building,” said John Alexander, cofounder of &Partners. “Bigger isn’t better. Better means sophisticated capabilities, support from people who know you, and a voice in decisions that shape your future. Advisors are choosing independence because they see the opportunity to have all three.”

“The decision of Mara and Julie to pursue something different at this point in their careers reflects the opportunity independence offers experienced leaders: becoming owners, shaping a business, and applying their experience in new ways,” continued Alexander.

Glassel brings 28 years of UBS experience across national sales and field leadership. Most recently, she led the Greater New York Market, overseeing 18 offices. Previously, she served as head of national sales for Wealth Management Americas and helped build UBS’ banking and structured notes businesses.

Fox brings 24 years of UBS experience, most recently leading the Southeast Region’s wealth management and private wealth management businesses across 15 states. Her background also includes running national sales for UBS as well as launching the UBS Global Family Office Group.

“Mara and Julie know what it takes to serve sophisticated clients and support exceptional advisors,” said David Kowach, cofounder of &Partners. “They’re choosing independence to help build something great.”

Their arrival also highlights the opportunities this industry shift creates for women. At &Partners, 40% of advisor teams are led by women.

“That two accomplished women are making this choice together is noteworthy,” said Kristi Mitchem, cofounder of &Partners. “It speaks to what independence can offer: a meaningful stake in the value you create, a voice in your future, and the freedom to put your leadership into practice. I’m excited that Mara and Julie see those possibilities here — and that their choice will help others imagine what is possible for themselves.”

For &Partners, independence is the starting point for genuine partnership: a business where advisors own what they build, work alongside people they trust, and help shape the firm’s future.

“Give exceptional advisors the freedom to lead, the resources to deliver, and ownership in what they’re building, and you can raise the standard,” Kowach added. “That is the opportunity we see for our firm — and the direction we believe the industry is moving.” 

About &Partners

&Partners is a rapidly growing advisor-owned wealth management firm built for advisors seeking greater ownership, flexibility, and community. Founded by former Wells Fargo leaders and based in Nashville, Tennessee, and St. Louis, Missouri, the firm offers a hybrid model that combines competitive payouts with equity participation, institutional support, and access to a collaborative peer network. Founded in fall 2023, &Partners has grown rapidly to 130 practices and approximately $65 billion in assets as of September 30, 2026. The firm provides a platform that enables advisors to build lasting businesses on their own terms without sacrificing service, scale, or culture. To learn more, visit andpartners.com. 

&Partners is the enterprise trade/marketing name for Ampersand Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its subsidiary, &Partners, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker-dealer and investment adviser. Securities and investment advisory services offered through &Partners, LLC, member FINRA and SIPC.

Media contacts: Trevor Wade, &Partners, trevor.wade@andpartners.com, and Kate Ennis, DAI Partners PR, (301) 580-6726